Author : Jason Ramirez
A Zed Card (Comp Card, Zed Card, or Model Card) is the number one marketing tool
for a model. They serve as a model's portfolio, business card and interview. A comp
card typically contains a collection of 2 or more pictures and the models basic stats
- height, eye color, etc. - printed on 2 sides of an 8.5" x 5.5" piece of card stock (12
pt stock.) Comp cards have been around for many years as the essential marketing
tool for a model and they will retain this standing because they are an inexpensive
way to effectively and professionally showcase a model's ability. Composite cards
are used on three major levels - they are used at first by models, then by agents
and lastly by the agent's clients.Level 1 - Models use composite cards to promote themselves to modeling agents.
When a model attends an open call they will typically meet with the agent, have their
portfolio reviewed and briefly be interviewed. Open calls are mostly busy, so not a
lot of time can be dedicated to each person trying out. When the interview is over,
the model leaves their composite card behind - never their portfolio. When the open
call is over the agents will gather to discuss the turn out. This is where the
composite card comes in to play. When the agents are discussing who they liked
and didn't, they can refer to the composite cards. This card is the only reference
that the agents have to your portfolio and ability. A good card is going to leave a
much better impression of professionalism, experience, ability and expertise than a
snap shot or nothing at all.Level 2 - After a model has been contracted with an agency, it becomes the agents
responsibility to market the model (that doesn't mean the model should stop
promoting themselves.) You will notice that agencies usually displayed their comp
cards in racks on their walls. This is done for the same purpose that an art gallery
displays art work. The intention of displaying the composite cards is to give any
visiting client a visual catalog of the talent that are available, and in turn making the
modeling agents task of finding materials and promoting their models easier.
Although this aesthetic pleasing display is this an effective method to boost
bookings, it is not the primary marketing method. Agents primarily send composite
cards via mail to photographers, producers, art directors, magazine editors, other
modeling agents, and many other potential clients.Level 3 - This stage is for the ones who pay the bills - commonly referred to as the
"clients." Once the comps have been sent to the clients, it is entirely in their hands
to decide who they want to use. Yes your agent should put some good words in for
you, but ultimately it is the clients decision. From this point the client may choose
you directly, or they may want to meet you. But either way they are going to pursue
you further only because they have seen your look - and this is almost always first
seen on your composite card. Clients usually retain an index of all of the cards that
they have received so they can refer to a visual guide when selecting models. Some
clients may have anywhere from 100 - 1000 models indexed in their company. This
is why you need a good, professional comp card that makes a great first impression.The ultimate success of a comp card is going to come down to the quality of the
photography that appears on it. The quality of the photography stems from the
quality and talent of the model along with the professionalism and creativity of the
photographer and his or her team. The better your photography is, the better your
zed card will be. On the front of your card you will want an eye-catching shot that
sets the stage for the type of model you are. For markets like Minneapolis, San
Francisco, and Kansas City a smiling shot works great since these are commercial
markets. However, markets like New York, Los Angeles and Paris will be best
approached with a high fashion photo on the front.Most importantly good production is key. Good production will make your photos
look better, and bad production will bring the quality way down. Bad production
makes you look as unprofessional as bad photography.Jason Ramirez (Born in Chicago, IL, 1982.) The Peak Agency LLC owner (01' - 05')For more modeling articles search this web site further or check out:
www.icompcards.com and click on
the resources section
Keyword : Zed Cards, Composite Cards, Modeling, Fashion Modeling
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